Ambetter Partnership To Provide AEDs To Schools

Five SCHSL members will receive life-saving equipment

Columbia, SC- Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in athletes under 35, often related to undiagnosed heart conditions. In fact, sudden cardiac arrest occurs in approximately 1-3 in 100,000 athletes annually. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). 

Thanks to a new partnership between the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and Ambetter Health, five SCHSL member-schools are going to receive AEDs to improve coverage at their athletic facilities. 

“We know that minutes matter in cardiac arrest and AEDs can help save lives,” said John McClellan, President and CEO, Ambetter from Absolute Total Care. “This partnership represents Ambetter’s commitment to supporting the health and safety of South Carolina communities.” 

The Ambetter AED Challenge encourages schools to apply for these complimentary units by filling out the form SCHSL AED Challenge Sign up. 

“This partnership with Ambetter Health affords schools around the state the opportunity to have an AED at their facilities,” said Dr. Jerome Singleton, Commissioner of the SCHSL. “We encourage all schools to sign up to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity.”

Survival rates increase 70-90% when AEDs are used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, the survival rate drops to less than 10% if defibrillation is delayed beyond 10 minutes.

“It is recommended that an AED is on the person within three minutes of the cardiac event,” noted Tim Kinney, Director of Health, Safety, and Wellness at SCHSL. “Having an AED on-site and easily accessible is crucial for early cardiac care, which significantly increases the chances of saving a life.”

Winning schools will be recognized during the SCHSL Basketball State Championships in March and Ambetter will deliver the AED unit to each school while also offering AED Training from a certified instructor at the school.

About Ambetter from Absolute Total Care

Ambetter from Absolute Total Care is Centene Corporation’s Health Insurance Marketplace product. Ambetter Health exists to improve the health of its beneficiaries through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. Our approach is based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally. Ambetter from Absolute Total Care has a commitment to improving the health of South Carolina communities one individual at a time through affordable and reliable health care plans.